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How to Choose the Right Jersey Size for NHL Jersey – Buying Guide A-Z
Apr
Finding the perfect NHL jersey isn’t just about supporting your favorite team—it’s about getting the right fit that balances comfort, style, and authenticity. Unlike regular clothing, hockey jerseys have unique sizing considerations that can make selecting the right size challenging for first-time buyers and even experienced fans.
Whether you’re planning to wear your jersey casually, over equipment for play, or as a prized collectible for display, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about NHL jersey sizing. From understanding the different types of jerseys available to measuring yourself correctly and navigating brand variations, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding NHL Jersey Types and Fits
Before diving into specific measurements, it’s essential to understand the different types of NHL jerseys available and how they’re designed to fit. Hockey jerseys are naturally oversized compared to regular clothing, but different models and brands have varying fits and purposes.
Adidas Authentic Jerseys
These are the closest to what NHL players wear on the ice. Key characteristics include:
- Premium materials with reinforced stitching
- More generous fit, especially in the shoulders and arms
- Designed to accommodate shoulder pads and equipment
- Slightly longer in the back (hockey tail)
- Heavier weight fabric than replicas
Fanatics Breakaway Jerseys
These fan-focused jerseys offer a more affordable option with a fit tailored for everyday wear:
- Lighter weight material than authentics
- Slightly more fitted cut than Adidas Authentics
- Designed for casual wear without equipment
- Less boxy than traditional hockey jerseys
- More true-to-size compared to regular clothing
Reebok and CCM Jerseys
These brands previously held NHL licensing deals and are still popular for vintage and throwback designs:
- Reebok Edge jerseys (2007-2017) run slightly smaller than current Adidas
- CCM Vintage jerseys often have a boxier, more traditional hockey cut
- Older CCM replicas (pre-2000s) typically run larger than modern equivalents
Goalie Cut Jerseys
Specifically designed for goaltenders, these jerseys feature:
- Extra width through the chest and arms
- Extended length to cover goalie equipment
- Special “G” cut that accommodates the unique movements of goaltenders
- Significantly more generous sizing than standard player jerseys
Replica vs. Authentic: Key Differences
While we’ve covered some differences above, it’s worth highlighting that replica jerseys (regardless of brand) generally offer:
- A more forgiving fit for casual wear
- Lighter materials
- Sizing that’s closer to regular clothing
Authentic jerseys prioritize on-ice functionality, which means they’re designed with equipment in mind and generally run larger.
NHL Jersey Size Charts
Understanding size charts is crucial for finding your perfect fit. Below are the standard measurements for the main jersey types available today.
Adidas Authentic NHL Jerseys (Men’s)
| Size | Chest (inches) | Sleeve Length (inches) | Body Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 (XS) | 35-37 | 33.5 | 27 |
| 46 (S) | 38-40 | 34 | 28 |
| 50 (M) | 41-43 | 34.5 | 29 |
| 52 (L) | 44-46 | 35 | 30 |
| 54 (XL) | 47-49 | 35.5 | 31 |
| 56 (2XL) | 50-52 | 36 | 32 |
| 60 (3XL) | 53-56 | 36.5 | 33 |
Fanatics Breakaway NHL Jerseys (Men’s)
| Size | Chest (inches) | Sleeve Length (inches) | Body Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36-38 | 33 | 28 |
| M | 39-41 | 34 | 29 |
| L | 42-44 | 35 | 30 |
| XL | 45-47 | 36 | 31 |
| 2XL | 48-50 | 37 | 32 |
| 3XL | 51-53 | 38 | 33 |
| 4XL | 54-56 | 39 | 34 |
Women’s NHL Jerseys (Fanatics)
| Size | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 31-32 | 24-25 | 34-35 |
| S | 33-34 | 26-27 | 36-37 |
| M | 35-36 | 28-29 | 38-39 |
| L | 37-39 | 30-32 | 40-42 |
| XL | 40-42 | 33-35 | 43-45 |
| 2XL | 43-45 | 36-38 | 46-48 |
Youth NHL Jerseys
| Size | Age (approx.) | Height (inches) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S (8) | 6-8 | 48-52 | 50-65 |
| M (10-12) | 9-12 | 52-58 | 65-90 |
| L (14-16) | 13-16 | 58-64 | 90-120 |
| XL (18-20) | 16+ | 64+ | 120+ |
Goalie Cut Jerseys
Goalie cut jerseys typically come in the same nominal sizes as player jerseys but with significantly more room, particularly in the arms and torso. When selecting a goalie cut jersey, it’s generally recommended to:
- Choose your normal jersey size if wearing with full goalie equipment
- Size down 1-2 sizes if planning to wear without equipment
- Focus particularly on arm length and chest width measurements
Important Note on NHL Jersey Sizing
Most NHL jerseys run significantly larger than regular clothing. This is especially true for authentic jerseys designed to fit over pads. As a general rule:
- For casual wear without pads, consider sizing down 1-2 sizes from your regular clothing size
- Fanatics Breakaway jerseys run more true-to-size than Adidas Authentics
- Chest measurements are the most critical dimension for hockey jerseys
- Sleeve length should accommodate full arm extension for playing
How to Measure Yourself for an NHL Jersey
Taking accurate measurements is key to finding the perfect fit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring yourself for an NHL jersey:
- Chest/Bust Measurement
- Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides
- Have someone wrap a flexible tape measure around the fullest part of your chest
- Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug (but not tight)
- If measuring to wear over equipment, measure while wearing your shoulder pads
- Sleeve Length
- Bend your arm at a 90-degree angle
- Measure from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, and down to your wrist
- For added accuracy, have someone help you take this measurement
- Body Length
- Measure from the highest point of your shoulder near your neck, straight down to where you want the jersey to end
- For traditional hockey fit, this is typically around mid-hip
- For goalie jerseys, you’ll want additional length
- Armpit-to-Armpit
- Measure the distance straight across from one armpit to the other
- This helps validate your chest measurement and is particularly important for goalie cuts
Measurement Tips for Accuracy
- Use a flexible cloth tape measure, not a rigid metal one
- Wear the base layers you plan to use under your jersey
- For player jerseys, measure over shoulder pads if you’ll be wearing them
- For casual wear, measure over a t-shirt or thin sweatshirt
- Have someone help you for more accurate readings
- Take each measurement twice to confirm accuracy
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring with the tape too tight (should be snug but not digging in)
- Not keeping the tape parallel to the floor for chest measurements
- Ignoring sleeve length (particularly important for playing)
- Measuring yourself without assistance (especially for back measurements)
- Using your t-shirt size without checking measurements
- Not accounting for layering if you plan to wear hoodies under your jersey
Fit Preferences: Loose vs. Fitted, Layering, and Style
Personal preference plays a significant role in how you want your NHL jersey to fit. Consider these aspects when selecting your size:
Traditional Hockey Fit
The classic hockey jersey look features:
- Generous room in the shoulders and chest
- Sleeves that extend to or slightly past the wrist
- Length that covers the hip, with a slightly longer back
- Enough room for comfortable layering
This traditional fit is ideal for:
- Authentic game-day appearance
- Wearing over hoodies or multiple layers in cold arenas
- Players who need mobility and equipment accommodation
Modern/Streetwear Fit
Many fans prefer a more contemporary, fitted look:
- Less excess fabric in the torso
- Sleeve length at or just below the wrist
- Overall more proportional to your body size
- Closer to how you would wear other casual clothing
This more fitted approach works best for:
- Casual, everyday wear
- Warmer weather or indoor viewing
- A sleeker silhouette for smaller-framed fans
Considerations for Different Uses
- For Playing Hockey: Size to accommodate your shoulder pads and other equipment, with enough length to prevent riding up during play
- For Arena Viewing: Allow room for layering in cold arenas
- For Casual Wear: Consider sizing down from authentic sizing charts
- For Collection/Display: Standard sizing is fine as fit isn’t a concern
Special Considerations for Women’s, Youth, and Goalie Jerseys
Women’s NHL Jerseys
Women’s-specific jerseys offer a more tailored fit compared to men’s versions:
- More contoured through the waist
- Slightly shorter in length
- Narrower shoulders
- Less boxy overall shape
When choosing between women’s and men’s jerseys:
- Women’s jerseys provide a more flattering fit but may not accommodate as much layering
- Men’s or unisex jerseys offer a more traditional hockey look with room for layers
- If you prefer an oversized look, a men’s small or medium might be preferable to a women’s large
Youth NHL Jerseys
When selecting jerseys for young fans:
- Consider growth room, especially for expensive authentic jerseys
- Youth L/XL sizes are often comparable to an adult XS/S
- Youth jerseys are cut shorter and narrower than adult versions
- Pay special attention to sleeve length, as this dimension changes most rapidly as children grow
Goalie Jerseys
Goalie-specific considerations include:
- Significantly more room in the arms to accommodate blocker and glove movement
- Extended torso length to cover bent posture
- Wider chest to fit over chest protector
- Special attention to arm length for full coverage during play
For goalies shopping for jerseys:
- Always select a specific goalie cut if you’ll be wearing it over equipment
- If no goalie cut is available, size up 1-2 sizes in a standard jersey
- Focus more on arm width and length than overall jersey size
Brand and Model Variations
It’s important to note that sizing can vary significantly between manufacturers and even between different models from the same brand.
Brand-Specific Notes
- Adidas: Current NHL authentic jerseys (2017-present), typically run large
- Fanatics: Breakaway replicas fit closer to true-to-size
- Reebok: Previous NHL jerseys (2007-2017), slightly smaller than Adidas
- CCM: Vintage replicas and older authentics, typically generous fit
- Warrior: Practice jerseys, consistent with traditional hockey sizing (large)
- Easton: Older jerseys and practice wear, typically true to hockey sizing
- Firstar: Practice jerseys, generally true to hockey sizing
When shopping between brands:
- Always check that specific brand’s size chart
- Read customer reviews for real-world fit feedback
- Consider the era of the jersey (older jerseys often fit differently)
- Be particularly careful when purchasing vintage or discontinued models
Common Sizing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many fans make these common mistakes when selecting NHL jerseys:
- Assuming your t-shirt size is your jersey size: Hockey jerseys are designed differently; always check measurements
- Not accounting for layering: Consider what you’ll wear underneath
- Ignoring size charts: Each brand and model has specific measurements
- Focusing only on chest size: Sleeve length and body length are equally important
- Not considering the jersey type: Authentic vs. Replica vs. Goalie Cut all fit differently
- Overlooking era differences: A CCM jersey from 1995 fits differently than a 2005 Reebok
- Buying for current fit only: Consider if you need growing room or plan to layer seasonally
Quick tips to avoid sizing errors:
- Always measure rather than guess
- When in doubt between sizes, hockey jerseys traditionally size up
- Check return policies before purchasing
- Search for specific model reviews online
- Consider how you’ll be wearing the jersey (casual vs. playing)
NHL Jersey Sizing FAQs
Q: Should I size down for a streetwear fit? A: Yes, for a more contemporary, fitted look, sizing down 1-2 sizes from authentic sizing is recommended, especially with Adidas Authentic jerseys.
Q: What’s the difference between Authentic and Replica NHL jerseys in terms of fit? A: Authentic jerseys are designed to be worn over equipment and run larger with reinforced construction, while Replicas are designed for fans and have a more casual, slightly trimmer fit.
Q: How does NHL jersey sizing compare to NBA/MLB/NFL jerseys? A: NHL jerseys typically run larger than other sports jerseys, especially compared to fitted MLB jerseys or modern NBA jerseys. They’re most similar to NFL jerseys but still generally looser.
Q: Which jersey type is best for collectors vs. fans vs. on-ice use? A: Collectors often prefer Authentic jerseys for their accuracy; casual fans might prefer the comfort and price of Fanatics Breakaway jerseys; for on-ice use, Authentic player or goalie cut jerseys are necessary.
Q: Can I tailor or alter my NHL jersey for a better fit? A: While possible, it’s not recommended for valuable or authentic jerseys. Minor sleeve or length adjustments by an experienced tailor familiar with sports jerseys are safest if necessary.
Q: How should a jersey fit on the shoulders? A: The shoulder seams should ideally align with or slightly extend past your natural shoulders. For playing, ensure enough room for shoulder pads.
Q: Are NHL jersey sizes consistent across all teams? A: Yes, sizing is standardized by manufacturer, not by team, so a size 50 Maple Leafs jersey will fit the same as a size 50 Bruins jersey from the same brand and model.
Conclusion & Quick Reference
Choosing the right NHL jersey size comes down to understanding the unique nature of hockey jerseys, taking accurate measurements, and considering how you plan to wear it. Remember these key points:
- Hockey jerseys traditionally run large compared to regular clothing
- Authentic jerseys are designed to fit over equipment
- Chest, sleeve length, and body length are the critical measurements
- Different brands and models have varying fits
- Consider your wearing intentions: playing, casual wear, or collection
Quick Reference Size Guide by Use
| Intended Use | Sizing Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Playing hockey | True to size or size up for equipment |
| Casual fan with layers | True to size in Replica/Breakaway |
| Fitted streetwear look | Size down 1-2 sizes in Authentic |
| Women seeking traditional fit | Men’s/unisex XS or S |
| Goalie with equipment | Goalie cut in regular size |
| Youth with growth room | 1-2 sizes up from current measurements |
Finding the perfect NHL jersey fit might take some consideration, but the right size ensures your jersey will be comfortable, functional, and authentic to the hockey tradition. Whether you’re supporting your team from the stands or hitting the ice yourself, the perfect jersey becomes a valued part of your hockey experience.
NOTE
Size Chart when you purchase on my size: